The piece is on a topic, which Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan has addressed often over the last year or two, the growing problem of wireless spectrum shortage.

Jeff Kagan visited xG Technology several years ago. Before the real wireless data spectrum crunch became obvious. “Back then their technology was very young, but the problem they were trying to solve was very real, spectrum shortage. Back then it was less about the spectrum shortage, but suddenly the world seems to be beating a path right to their door.” According to Kagan.

The Forbes piece discusses the rapid growth of high-speed wireless Internet that is generating a new wave in technology. It points to the key question we must answer or this growth wave will simply stop affecting countless workers, customers and investors.

Jeff Kagan agrees that one of the key ingredients in wireless networks is spectrum. The on-ramps and off-ramps to the information superhighway we call the Internet.

However Kagan says, “This is a problem we have seen coming for the last few years and every day we are getting closer to disaster. A time when customers wireless Internet connection is affected. We will suddenly start to see this quiet, yet real problem get moved to the front page.”

“We are using more wireless Internet every day on new technology like smart phones and tablets. Wireless phones used to be about voice, then text and email, but today it’s all about wireless data. Today the marketplace is completely different. We give voice away and charge for wireless data. What will tomorrow be like?” asked Kagan.

“If we don’t solve this problem, this will only get worse. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon have managed to acquire wireless spectrum so they bought themselves some breathing room. But the long-term problem is still there. And what about all the smaller carriers which also need access to spectrum.” According to Kagan.

“Spectrum sharing does not sound like it’s what carriers want to do, but we may get to the point sooner or later where that is an acceptable solution.” Says Kagan.

It’s up to the FCC to come up with an answer that works for the entire industry. This is not an easy task, but this real and growing problem must be solved. It won’t get better on it’s own.

About Jeff Kagan

Jeff Kagan is an Industry Analyst who has been quoted by reporters and the media, thousands of times, over 25 years, in news stories from all of the major media.